Galt police present annual report; department highlights traffic enforcement, new tech and staffing

Police Chief Kalinowski presented the Galt Police Department’s annual report during the council meeting, summarizing staffing, crime statistics, new programs and technology investments the department undertook over the past year.

Lede: The department reported increases in officer‑initiated activity and traffic stops, described operational highlights — including a newly formalized youth services unit, increased traffic enforcement and technology investments — and said the department remains nearly fully staffed for dispatch and has four officer vacancies.

Nut graf: Chief Kalinowski noted a 57% rise in traffic stops and a 21% increase in arrests compared with the prior reporting period, attributed to enhanced traffic enforcement and targeted patrols. The department also emphasized investments in a data/real‑time platform, e‑citing, and an expanded youth‑services/SRO program; the chief outlined plans to explore drone “first‑responder” programs used in neighboring jurisdictions.

Crime and operations summary: The chief reported no homicides in the reporting year, modest declines in burglary and aggravated assault, and an increase in auto thefts and vehicle‑related incidents. The department documented 3,996 traffic stops, 480 misdemeanor arrests and 188 felony arrests in the year covered. Use‑of‑force incidents and vehicle pursuits were described; the department reported 29 uses of force (none outside policy) and 13 pursuits (all within policy).

Programs and technology: The department said it established a formal youth services unit (two officers plus a supervising sergeant) to coordinate school outreach, CSO activities and explorer programs; it also reported the K‑9 unit retirements and retiree transitions. Technology highlights included adoption/expansion of: (a) a real‑time data platform that integrates body‑worn camera and dispatch information; (b) e‑citations that upload directly to the courts; (c) AI‑assisted 911 support (Prepared 911) to capture call data and assist dispatchers; and (d) evaluation of a drone first‑responder program to provide aerial situational awareness and reduce some officer responses.

Community policing: The department reported volunteer engagement — community service officers and explorers logged significant volunteer hours and supported events such as National Night Out and the city toy drive. The chief thanked staff and highlighted an upcoming awards ceremony and a memorial unveiling.

Ending: Councilmembers thanked the chief and staff for their work. The city plans to post the printed annual report online and to continue follow‑up on technology pilots, staffing and youth‑services programming.